Research Assistant within anaerobic digestion and biomass valorization

Aarhus Universitet; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus Universitet in Aarhus is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Land2Value project focusing on anaerobic digestion and biomass valorization. You will support experimental work, analyze biomass, and optimize processes, contributing to a greener bio-based value chain.

The candidate should have background in biotechnology, environmental engineering or related fields, plus hands-on lab experience and knowledge of biogas production.

Qualifications

• Background in biotechnology, environmental engineering or related field.
• Experience with laboratory work and experimental planning.
• Knowledge of anaerobic digestion, biogas production, and biomass valorization.
• Hands-on experience operating and monitoring laboratory- or pilot-scale biogas reactors.
• Experience with mass and energy balances for biological conversion processes.
• Experience with sampling, analytical methods, and data collection.
• Competence in processing, visualizing, and interpreting experimental data.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory-scale anaerobic digestion experiments.
• Perform analytical measurements and data processing.
• Collaborate with researchers and project partners across the value chain.

Skills

Biotechnology background

Environmental engineering

Laboratory work experience

Experimental planning

Anaerobic digestion knowledge

Biogas reactors operation

Data processing

Mass and energy balances

Tools

Biogas reactors

Analytical methods

Job description

Research Assistant within anaerobic digestion and biomass valorization

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, invites applicants for a 12 month position within the field of anaerobic digestion and biorefinery, mainly focused on the anaerobic conversion of biomasses.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a 12 month position starting from 1 December 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Research Project

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join the Land2Value project at Aarhus University. The position focuses on the anaerobic digestion and valorisation of agricultural biomasses.
The successful candidate will support experimental work related to biogas production, biomass characterization, and process optimization. Tasks will include laboratory-scale anaerobic digestion experiments, analytical measurements, data processing, and collaboration with researchers and project partners across the value chain.
We are looking for a candidate with a background in biotechnology, environmental engineering, biology, agricultural science, or a related field. Experience with anaerobic digestion, biogas technologies, and laboratory work is an advantage.
The position offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative research supporting the green transition, climate mitigation, and the development of sustainable bio-based value chains.

Your profile

The ideal candidate should have some of the following qualifications and competencies:

• Background in biotechnology, environmental engineering or a related field.
• Experience with laboratory work and experimental planning.
• Knowledge of anaerobic digestion, biogas production, and biomass valorization.
• Hands-on experience operating and monitoring laboratory- or pilot-scale biogas reactors.
• Experience with mass and energy balances for biological conversion processes.
• Experience with sampling, analytical methods, and data collection.
• Competence in processing, visualizing, and interpreting experimental data.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary research team.

You will be working in the research group “Microbial Conversion Technologies” as part of the Dept. of Biological & Chemical Engineering. As a group member you will be expected to be a team player, where you contribute to student co-supervision and day-to-day work of the group.
The place of work is Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, 8000 Aarhus C and the Aarhus University Energy Research Facility located at AU Campus Viborg (https://dca.au.dk/en/about-dca/au-foulum).

Who we are

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE) has strong research sections in Biotechnology, Environmental and Process Engineering.
Industrial impact is at the core of our research and translation of results into solving relevant societal challenges is a highly prioritized part of our work.

What we offer

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering offers:

• the opportunity to be part of a team developing novel technologies for sustainable fuels and to make a high impact through solving of climate change issues.
• a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and pilot-scale facilities
• an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators.
• a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research.
• a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities.
• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.

Place of work and area of employment

The area of employment is Aarhus University with affiliated institutions. The primary workplace will be Gustav Wieds Vej 10, DK-8000 Aarhus C.

Contact information

For further information please contact: Research Group Leader & Associate Professor Michael Vedel Wegener Kofoed [e-mail].

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 7 October 2026.

Application procedure

Short-listing is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee and will receive his/her assessment.

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here .
Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation & the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities .
Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.
The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.